By Barrera Alcova
As the world continues to wrestle with the global health crisis, numerous industries have been increasingly disrupted on a day-to-day basis. Physical distancing, stringent COVID-19 quarantine protocols, and an urgent move to working from home are just some of the most pressing concerns every industry must face head-on. Now more than ever, businesses are starting to realize the essence of digital transformation and the integration of Information Technology in their regular operations.
Software development and digital transformation have become imperative to the growth and success of any business and organization. In this article, you will get to delve into some of the most promising software development trends which are expected to create ripples in every industry globally.
I. Artificial Intelligence in the Healthcare Industry
AI is currently replacing typical labor-thorough and time-consuming processes in healthcare with quick, remotely available, and real-time solutions for diagnosis, treatment, and disease prevention. To explore more the benefits of AI in the industry of healthcare, software platforms, application programming interfaces (APIs), and other digital products are being unceasingly developed.
AI-powered autonomous monitoring platform for healthcare, automated disinfection of surfaces and infrastructure, remote, integrated dose monitoring system, immersive technologies to support patient care in both adults and children, and blockchain-based drug traceability and anti-counterfeiting solution are just some of the breakthroughs when it comes to a state of the art healthcare management and regulation.
COVID-19 also created a pressing demand for telehealth to care for patients outside of the clinic or hospital setting and offset financial losses due to reduced ambulatory visits.
II. Cloud Technology: A Misnomer No More
Cloud computing or technology – also popularly referred to as the cloud – has redefined and rewired the way we store and share information. It has helped exceed the limitations of using a physical device to share and opened a whole new dimension of the internet.
In 2020, the cloud services industry generated almost $40 billion in revenue, taking its market value to a total of $266.4 billion from the $227.8 billion in 2019, an 17% growth in just one year. The explosion of the cloud has changed the face of how enterprises do business, and it is not slowing down any time soon.
According to Carolee Gearhart the Global Channel Chief at Google, “By 2021, 75 percent of midsize and large organizations will have adopted multi-cloud or a hybrid strategy.” International Data Corporation (IDC), the premier global provider of market intelligence, advisory services, and events for the information technology, telecommunications, and consumer technology markets affirms this in their 2021 report, stating that by 2022, over 90% of enterprises will be relying on a hybrid cloud solutions model that includes on-prem, dedicated private clouds, multiple public clouds, and legacy platforms.
Gartner, a leading reliable software outsourcing company well-known for their flagship technology research, predicts that the proportion of IT spending that is shifting to the cloud will accelerate in the aftermath of the COVID-19 crisis, with cloud projected to make up 14.2% of the total global enterprise IT spending market in 2024, up from 9.1% in 2020.
Getting ahead of the challenges of compliance and security, and partnering with smart, innovative external solutions are expected to be the next level for cloud technology trends as it moves through 2021 and into 2022.
III. Progressive Web Apps (PWA)
In 2021, businesses are predicted to be more willing to apply the latest web development trends for improving transactions and develop decent websites without knowing how to code. The proliferation of Progressive web apps made it even easier to develop and maintain website accessibility. Progressive web apps (PWAs) are built using languages like JavaScript, CSS, and HTML and can operate on any platform that uses a web browser.
Simply put, PWAs are simply web applications designed to run on mobile devices. This technology will make a revolution in client experience and will surely become a top favorite of industries that are into a mobile-first approach in their processes. Many known sites are PWAs, like Starbucks.com, Pinterest.com, Washingtonpost.com, and Uber.com and they are installable on your home screen and offer a similar experience as compared to their native apps.
IV. Low-Code/No-Code Development (LCNC Development)
As stated previously, businesses are predicted to be more willing to apply the latest web development trends for improving transactions and develop decent websites without having to code. Low-code/no-code (LCNC) development refers to an environment where visual drag-and-drop applications or similar tools allow individuals and/or teams to program applications without a lot of linear coding. These types of systems help the IT world to deal with a lack of skilled developers and streamline the emergence of new applications and interfaces.
This type of software enables those with no exhaustive training to create databases and other applications to assist responsive operations. This ability is becoming a lot more common and will grow in 2021 and even beyond. According to a recent Forrester report, the low-code market is all set to reach a yearly increase rate of 40%, with expenditure projected to hit a massive $21.2 billion by 2022.
V. Blockchain Technology
According to the Research & Advisory firm Gartner, Blockchain technology is listed under the top 10 strategic technologies for the year 2021. This is expected to be under mainstream functioning by 2023. Blockchain arises as a technology that can create changes and new ways among various industries such as banking, healthcare, cybersecurity, and even intellectual property.
Blockchain applications are related to data, for example, asset tracking, shared and internal record-keeping, and provenance. Various blockchain cases revolve around banking and finance, including settlement/payment, trading, and insurance claims.
Conclusion
The software development industry, just like other industries, will substantially depend on how the world fights the pandemic. Though certain variations are possible, the general trend points to industry expansion and surge in returns. Understanding the latest software development projections for this year can assist you with long-term planning and expectations management.